HANDY WAR, GUIDE 

/orMY COMPANY 
CAHTMNE HANGUILLART 





Class 

Book L_ ^ 

GopglitN?. _ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT, 



HANDY 

WAR GUIDE FOR 
MY COMPANY 

Handy Company Commander's Guide 
Written at the front by 

Captain Hanguillart 

of the French Army 
Translated and edited by 

Louis J. A. Mercier, A.M. 

First Lieutenant, Harford R. O. T. C. 

Interpreter with British Expeditionary Force on the 

French Front 1914-17. 



'DASH UNDER DISCIPLINE" 



Copyright, 1918 

by 

R. D. CORTINA COMPANY. 



The Cortina Academy of Languages 
New York 

1918 



k" 



^ 



TABLE. 
Preface 5 

x Part I. 

Trench Life and Trench Warfare 

Taking over the Trenches 11 

Care and Improvement of the 

Trenches 14 

The Watch from the Trenches. ... 17 

Patrolling 22 

Interrogating Prisoners 25 

Devices to draw the Enemy's Fire 28 

An Attack, the Repulse 32 

The Counter-Attack 34 

Precautions against Enemy's Artil- 
lery 36 

Use of Trench Artillery 37 

Field Artillery Cooperation 39 

Daily Scnedule 41 

Turning over the Trenches 43 

Out of the Trenches 44 

Topical Questions on Part 1 46 

Part II. 

French Infantry Combat Principles. 

Open Warfare 53 

". : JUL -3 1918 

©CJ.A499639 - 



The Approach 55 

Precautions against Silent Artillery 58 

Crossing a Bombarded Zone 59 

Use of Woods as Shelter 61 

To Cross a Crest 65 

The Fire Attack 69 

Precautions against Cavalry 65 

The Termination of the Approach 67 

Use of Machine Guns 71 

The Company Supports 72 

The Companies in Support 73 

The Charge and the Pursuit 74 

Attack of a Wood 75 

Attack of a Village 76 

Attack of a Defile 77 

Night Attacks 78 

Defense of Woods 80 

Defense of a Village 81 

Defense of a Defile 82 

Night Defense of a Position 83 

The Counter Attack 84 

Topical Questions on Part II 86 

Appendix 

A Division Front in Trench Warfare. 

The Trench System 

The Back Areas 

3 



Printed in the United States of America 

By THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS 

150 Lafayette Street 

New York City 









PREFACE. 

The first part of Captain Hanguil- 
lart's little book "Petit Guide pra- 
tique dc Guerre pour ma compagnie" 
has been incorporated in the new 
manuals of instruction published for 
the young recruits of the French army 
by the official military publishing 
house "Librairie Militaire Berger- 
Levrault, the editors of the "Annuaire 
officiel de TAnnee."* 

Its special value comes from the 
fact that it was written at the front 
and is wholly based on the orders 
which Captain Hanguillart drew up 
for the instruction of his own company 
and tested repeatedly through actual 
experience. 

Thus its very omissions are signifi- 
cant. 

The text as it stands represents 
essentials. 

Its every paragraph is a unit of tried 
advice. 

It embodies the practical data that 
has secured results. 

It sums up the cautions that have 
saved lives. 

5 



In the second part, Captain Han- 
guillart has merely reproduced the 
French Infantry Combat principles 
long published in the official manual 
for the instruction of platoon leaders. 

In presenting this little work, no 
claim is made that it is adequate to 
the complete instruction of company 
commanders. 

Its obvious supplements are such 
works as : Colonel Paul Azan — The 
War of Position. 

The Army War College — Translation 
of the French Manual for Comman- 
ders of Infantry Platoons. 
Cole and Schoonmaker — Military In- 
structors Manual. 

Major J. A. Moss — Manual of Mili- 
tary Training. 

U. S. A. Infantry Drill Regulations. 
Captain Hanguillart's book should 
be carefully compared with these. But 
because of its peculiar origin it has 
for the officer a value not possessed 
by other books on this subject. 

It gives what a company comman- 
der actually found essential. 

Furthermore, it corresponds to the 
booklets published in France which are 
placed in the hands of every recruit. 
Every officer should have full know- 
6 



ledge of his specialty, but every private 
should understand the essential con- 
cerns of his officers so as to appreci- 
ate orders the more readily. 

The army of democracy should be 
an intelligent thinking army. 

Such little books have helped to give 
the French poilu his famed self-reli- 
ance and resourcefulnes. 

It is the hope of the publishers that 
this translation may help to do the 
same for his American comrades. 

The publishers also believe that the 
book offers just the information needed 
by civilians to follow intelligently re- 
ports of military operations and of 
life at the front. 

The editor has felt it his duty in re- 
arranging the loose notes of Captain 
Hanguillart to respect scrupulously 
the text, though, at times, the best 
way to do so was through a free trans- 
lation. 

The paragraphs have been numbered 
and questions and diagrams added to 
facilitate assimilation. 

Cambridge, Mass. L.J. A.M. 

* Cf Chapnis. Instruction theorique 
et generate du sold at pour la peri ode 
de guerre. 2y e edition, January 1917. 

7 



Part I. 

Trench Life and Trench 
Warfare. 



TRENCH LIFE AND TRENCH 
WARFARE. 



TAKING OVER THE TRENCHES. 

1. — Leaving Billets. 

The battalions of a Brigade occupy- 
ing a given sector of the front are bil- 
leted when out of the trenches, in the 
villages closest to their sector. Cf. ap- 
pendix. 

When their turn comes to relieve the 
battalions in the trenches, the officers 
in charge should have the following 
instructions carried out : 

2. — On the day before the relief make 
sure: 

That the rifles, bayonets, etc., are in 
good condition. 

That the ammunition and reserve 
rations are supplied. 

That the equipment of every man is 
complete. 

That all officers and N.C.O.'s watch- 
es are set to division time. 

11 



3. — On the day of the relief, one hour 
before departure: 

Have rifles stacked and equipment 
laid out outside the billets. 

Make sure that nothing is left be- 
hind, that premises are cleaned, all 
rubbish burnt, and latrines filled. 

Have rifles loaded and with the safe- 
ty lock turned to the safe. 

Assign an energetic N. C. O. to act 
as file closer of each platoon to 
prevent straggling. 

Call the roll and have it duly for- 
warded to the company commander. 

4. — On the way to the trenches: 

If under fire, have units march at 
proper intervals (Cf. par. 117ff.) 

Adopt marching order best suitable 
to avoid blocking the road. 

At night do not allow smoking. 

Exact silence when nearing the 
trenches. 

Take special precaution at all times 
to maintain constant communica- 
tion between units, especially at 
night and when crossing woods. 

If enemy aeroplanes appear, stop 
and keep out of sight as much as 
possible. (Cf. par. 120.) 
12 



5. — On reaching the trenches: 

The relief should be completed in 
silence — without hurry. 

Carefully ascertain the orders of the 
battalion relieved. 

Check up and assign to each unit the 
supplies taken over. 

Requisition at once additional sup- 
plies and ammunition wanted. 

Each platoon should be assigned its 
special duties, the duty roster 
drawn up for all sentry and patrol 
duties, details, etc. 

Have all the men locate the enemy 
trench as they come on duty and 
give them the range. 

Inspect the dugouts and assign them. 

Forbid all digging under the parapet. 

Inspect the latrines. Give strict or- 
der that small amount of dirt be 
thrown in after use and that lime 
be sprinkled in daily. 

See that the men are provided with 
ammunition. 

Communication should be insured 
between the various units to the 
right and left and with the rear. 



13 



CARE AND IMPROVEMENT OF 
THE TRENCHES. 

6. — Improvements : 

Investigate the work under way for 
the improvement of defense and 
prepare plans for further work if 
necessary. 

Obvious improvements are : making 
additional communication trench- 
es, repairing or completing shelt- 
ers, listening posts, mining tun- 
nels, wire entanglements. 

7. — Ammunition shelters : 

See that there are a sufficient num- 
ber of shelters for rifle ammuni- 
tion, grenades, rockets and other 
supplies. 

8. — Loopholes and Parapet: 

Ascertain the conditions of all the 
loopholes and have them repaired 
if need be. (They should cut the 
parapet diagonally and be con- 
cealed in every way possible with 
vegetation, branches, and the open- 
ing blocked when not in use.) 
14 



Have all damages to the parapet and 
to the ground underneath quickly 
attended to. 

See that in each section there are 
small ladders to permit of easy 
access to the' top of the parapet. 

See that means are provided to fire 
above the parapet in case of an 
attack. 

9. — Drainage : 

Attend carefully to the drainage. 
Have the trench bottom kept con- 
vex with small gutters on either 
side running into pits lined with 
gabions. If trench bottom is lined 
with board walks, keep it in re- 
pair. Have water pits emptied if 
necessary. 

10. — Sanitation : 

Have latrines kept in perfect sani- 
tary order. 

Have them filled up and others dug 
if need be. 

Have all rubbish collected and car- 
ried out. 

11. — Precautions against capture of 
fire-trench. 
Prepare for the obstruction of the 
communicating trenches in case 
15 



the enemy should capture the 
fire trench : Have piles of sand 
bags above the entrance of each 
trench ready to be dumped into it. 
Have chevaux de frise lined up on 
one parapet of the trench and all 
held up in such a way by a single 
wire that when the wire is cut 
they will fall into the trench. 
Mines can also be prepared to blow 
up the trench when invaded. The 
communicating trench between 
the fire trench and the listening 
post should be covered with barb- 
ed wire screens or be tunnelled. 



16 



THE WATCH FROM THE 
TRENCHES. 



12. — Trench Warfare an outpost duty. 

Trench warfare, the inevitable form 
of modern warfare, is a continuous se- 
ries of outpost duty. Hence it is based 
wholly on eternal vigilance. The pa- 
trols correspond to the scouts ; the list- 
ening posts to the sentinels ; the firing- 
trench to the outguards ; the cover 
trench to the supports. The safety of 
the sector depends entirely on the vig- 
ilance- of the advanced elements and 
the rapidity with which supports and 
the reserves can be summoned. 

Watching is thus the fundamental 
duty in trench warfare. 

The following points should be kept 
in mind : 

AT ALL TIMES 

13. — Number of men in the fire trench. 

There must be as many sentinels in 
each section as is necessary to cover 
completely the sector to be watched, no 
more, no less, each sentinel being given 

17 



the exact limits (such as tree, copse, 
post, etc.) at each end of the line he 
should watch. 

14. — Fix bayonets. 

The men on duty should have bayo- 
nets fixed as, in case of a possible sur- 
prise, they are needed for defense. 
Otherwise too, fixing bayonets would 
be an indication to the enemy of an im- 
pending raid. 

DURING THE DAY. 

15. — Observation of open terrain. 

When the terrain opposite is open 
country, the necessary observation may 
be done by the smallest possible num- 
ber of men. Fire only, if any of the 
enemy are sighted. Then, have two 
rounds fired, then three. But keep fire 
under strict control. (If enemy con- 
tinues to approach. Cf. par. 52 ff.) 

16. — Observation of covered terrain. 

When the terrain is covered (high 
brush wood, copses, trees, etc.) a sharp- 
shooter in each section should fire oc- 
casionally into the trees, etc., which 
may be observation or sharpshooters' 
posts but this should not be overdone. 

18 



AT NIGHT. 
17. — Double sentinels. 

Post double sentinels in each section, 
each man watching in turn, the other 
resting but within call. 

18.— Silence. 

They should refrain from making the 
least noise so as to hear and not be 
heard. 

19. — No firing when fired upon. 

There should be no firing when the 
enemy fires since when the enemy fires, 
he does not advance. 

20. — Look and listen. 

They should keep a sharp lookout 
but listen even more attentively. 

21. — In the listening posts. 

Sentinels in the listening posts 
should listen especially for the noise of 
crushed branches, stirring leaves, slight 
ncise of arms or utensils. 

If enemy is detected, these sentinels 
should hasten back to fire trench to 
give the alarm quietly so that the 
enemy may be surprised. 

19 



They should fire only if they are 
themselves caught unawares. 

Listening posts should not be too 
numerous, about two per battalion. 

If there are no listening posts, patrols 
should be sent out to favorable spots 
especially at sundown and before sun- 
rise. 

22. — Enemy sighted or heard, fire. 

If the night is clear and the terrain 
is open, proceed as during the day : If 
the enemy is sighted or heard, fire in 
short volleys. In case of doubt throw 
grenades with the first volley. 

23. — Otherwise no firing. 

Otherwise, absolute silence should be 
observed. No firing whatever. 

24. — Unless night is dark. 

If the night is dark, to avoid sur- 
prise, keep up firing: One man per sec- 
tion should fire in turn, from time to 
time varying the direction. 

25. — Digging by enemy. 

If digging by the enemy is reported, 
cease firing. Have it located, throw 
bombs followed by volleys. Notify 
sappers for counter mining. 

20 



26. — Watch for light of enemy's fire. 

If enemy fires, note where light ap- 
pears. 

27. — Posting of sharpshooters. 

Locate sharpshooters in advantage- 
ous posts behind the trenches (trees, 
etc.). Have them fire into the enemy's 
listening posts and into the enemy's 
trench, especially wherever light ap- 
pears. These posts should not be oc- 
cupied during the day. 

28.— Patrols. 

Send out patrols, stationary or mo- 
bile. 



21 



PATROLLING. 

29. — Functions of Patrols. 

The aim : to supplement the work 
of the listening posts and of the sen- 
tinels through more forward observa- 
tion. To discover the movements and 
the operations of the enemy. To locate 
his emplacements. 

To keep in close touch with the enemy 
so as to take advantage of his possible 
weaknesses : lack of watchfulness, of 
ammunition, of sufficient troops. To 
verify, repair and complete advance de- 
fences. To get the exact range of 
enemy's positions. To bring back 
prisoners. 

30.— Time to patrol. 

Patrols should be on duty through 
the night but be specially watchful be- 
fore sunrise. 

31. — Assignment of patrol duty. 

N. C. O. and men should be assigned 
to patrol duty by roster or as volun- 
teers. In the former case, if there is 
22 



reason to think that a patrol has not 
clone its best to secure information, the 
same men should be sent out again. 

32. — Sentinels should know about pa- 
trols. 

Neighboring companies should be 
notified of the departure, route and 
probable time of return of patrols. If 
several patrols are sent out at the same 
time they should know one another's 
itinerary. 

33. — Dress and equipment of patrols. 

The men (3 to 5 commanded by N. 
C. O.) should carry no impediments 
and their dress should not interfere 
with ease of movements: sweaters 
should be worn instead of overcoats. 
The woolen cap or comforter should be 
worn as they cover most of the face. 
Slits should be cut for the ears that 
hearing be not interfered with. The 
helmet should always be worn over 
comforter. Also dark gloves to hide 
the hands. No equipment save the 
rifle, the bayonet fixed or carried in 
the hand, (no bayonet scabbard), a 

few hand grenades. 

23 



34. — Method of advance. 

Patrols should crawl forward or ad- 
vance by short dashes, silently, stop 
often and for long periods, listen intent- 

iy- 

35.— Under flare light. 

If the enemy sends up lighting rock- 
ets (flares) or fires volleys, lie flat on 
the ground until he stops. 

36. — Against an hostile patrol. 

If a small hostile patrol approaches, 
do the same, throw a stone or two so 
as to turn its attention away and take 
advantage of this to surprise it. If men 
of enemy's patrol give the alarm, kill 
them — lie flat on ground during en- 
emy's volleys which will follow. Then 
strip bodies of distinctive uniform 
badges, and search for papers, etc. 
Otherwise bring men back as prisoners. 

37. — Need of initiative. 

Patrols should exercise initiative, 
take advantage of circumstances, in de- 
vising ways of bringing back the great- 
est possible amount of useful informa- 
tion. 



24 



INTERROGATING PRISONERS. 



38. — Information from prisoners. 

One of the chief aims of patrolling 
is to bring back prisoners from whom 
information may be gathered. 

39.— Its use by General Staff. 

The General Staff is interested to 
know the nationality, the division, the 
age, etc. of prisoners captured in a giv- 
en sector. 

40. — Its use by company commander. 

But these are of little value to the 
battalion or company commander. 
Hence, when possible, they should ask 
the prisoners questions more pertinent 
to the organization of the enemy sector 
opposite: 

41. — Questions to ask. 

How stronglv are your various lines 
held? 

Where are the C. O. Post and the 
officers' dugouts? 

25 



When and by what routes are the 
reliefs made, how often and on what 
days and at what time. Ask the same 
questions for the fatigues. 

At what time are rations brought or 
served ? 

What is the actual muster of the 
company? 

How many regular army officers, 
how many reserve officers? What do 
the men think of their officers? 

How many advanced posts? How 
many men in each, by day and by 
night? Do they have grenades and 
how are they relieved? 

How many men are sent out on pa- 
trol, how often, at what time, by what 
route coming and going? How are they 
dressed and armed? What are their 
instructions? 

What does the enemy know about 
our own patrols? 

Are snipers placed in trees during 
the day and at night? If so, what trees 
are used. What parts of our sectors 
can they see? 

Are they planning any raids? Do 
they anticipate raids by us? 

What work are they carrying on dur- 
ing the day and at night? 

26 



Have they any idea of our own act- 
ivities? 

What is the nature and the location 
of their accessory defences? 

What is the location of their machine 
guns, trench mortars? 

Have they any asphyxiating gas or 
liquid fire apparatus? 

Have they abundant supplies of hand 
grenades, etc., etc. 



2? 



DEVICES TO DRAW THE 
ENEMY'S FIRE. 



42. — To make enemy waste ammuni- 
tion. 

Any devices which lead the enemy to 
waste ammunition or to expose them- 
selves is a clear gain. 

Many may be readily devised and 
officers and men should be encouraged 
to do so. The following have often 
proved successful : 

43. — Pretend abandoning trench. 

Remain absolutely quiescent during 
several days. This may lead the en- 
emy to send out patrols or raiding par- 
ties which may be the more surely des- 
troyed. They should be allowed to ap- 
proach to the wire entanglements be- 
fore a shot is fired. 

44. — Pretend a raid. 

On dark nights, have all firing stop. 
Throw stones by hand or with slings, 
a dozen at a time toward the enemy's 
trench. This will lead him to fire re- 

28 



peated volleys and waste ammunition 
in his fear of an attack, especially if 
the trenches are in wooded terrain and 
there are leaves on the ground. Repeat 
several times during the night. 

Patrols may also tie strings to the 
enemy's barb wire. On dark nights 
pulling on the string may lead the 
enemy to fire. 

45. — Use decoys. 

Decoys may be arranged in trees or 
stuck up momentarily over the para- 
pet. They will draw the enemy's fire. 

46. — Pretend a fire attack. 

If the enemy's trenches are near 
enough for the sound to carry, whistles 
may be blown all along the line before 
a volley. They may be blown again 
after the command to omit the volley. 
The enemy may continue to fire inde- 
finitely. 

47. — Watch out for enemy's ruses. 

Let the aim of all these devices be 
to make the enemy waste ammunition 
and to save your own. On the other 
hand, the enemy is likely to attempt 
like ruses and many others which are 
not permissible such as the use of white 
29 



flags or raising hands to indicate pre- 
tended surrender. 

48. — His use of blank cartridges. 

A legitimate ruse, of which the ene- 
my is fond and which should be guard- 
ed against, consists in their firing blank 
cartridges to mask an advance of their 
men. It is clear that men do not ad- 
vance while bullets are fired from 
their own trenches. Nor does one fire 
in retaliation until the enemy's fire 
ceases. A little attention will be suf- 
ficient to spoil this plan as, when only 
blank cartridges are fired, no bullets 
will whiz by. As long as the enemy 
fires blank cartridges, withhold your 
own fire, be on guard against the ap- 
pearance of patrols and be ready to 
receive them when they draw near. 

49. — His use of flares. 

In case the enemy sends up flares, 
patrols should lie flat and motionless 
till after the volley which often follows. 
The sentinels in the fire trench should 
note spot where flare was sent up and 
abstain from firing unless enemy is 
sighted out of his trenches. 

50. — His machine guns. 

If a machine gun opens fire from the 
30 



trench opposite, try to locate it through 
the light and sound at night, through 
sound and actual sight during the day. 

Fire a converging volley of two 
rounds in its direction, and repeat, but 
not over six rounds if unsuccessful. 

At the same time let trench mortars 
fire bombs in the same direction. 

51. — His field and trench artillery fire. 

If enemy's artillery fires upon 
trenches (Cf. par. 69 ff.) 



31 



AN ATTACK. 



THE REPULSE. 

52. — A threatened raid. 

As has been stated (par. 15 and 22) 
in case enemy patrols approach, vol- 
leys of two, then of three rounds 
should be fired. Keep cool. Do not 
fire prematurely. 

53. — Fire above parapet. 

The firing should be done over the 
parapet and not through the loopholes. 

54. — When alarm is given. 

If the sentinels report that an attack 
is developing, every one on duty takes 
his post. 

55.— Flares. 

Flares are sent up from each section. 

56.— Trench Mortars. * 

Trench mortars fire bombs with the 
first volley. 

57. — How to repulse an attack. 

If the attack materializes, repeat 

32 



volleys and trench mortar discharge 
and open fire with the machine guns. 

(On dark nights, in covered terrain, 
the machine guns should be fired with 
the first volley.) 

58. — Use of hand grenades. 

Hand grenades should be thrown as 
soon as the enemy is within 30 yards. 

The grenadiers of the odd number 
squads should aim to throw their gren- 
ades upon the assailants while those 
of the even number squads should try 
to establish a barrage by throwing be- 
hind the assailants. 

59. — Use of trench mortars. 

The trench mortars are aimed at the 
enemy's trench. 

60. — Use of the machine guns. 

The machine guns fire directly at 
the assailants, with slight differences 
in height of aim, (knee high, waist 
high, etc.) according to the directions 
previously given to each man. 

61.— Fire Control. 

Carefully keep fire rifle under con- 
trol and avoid wasting ammunition. 

33 



Never fire without aiming. If the 
ground ahead is flat, aim waist-high ; 
if it slopes down, aim close to the soil ; 
if it slopes up, aim at height of chest. 

62. — Repulse with the bayonet. 

If some of the enemy reach the 
trench, dispose of them with the bayo- 
net. 

63. — Save ammunition. 

Cease firing and abstain from further 
firing as soon as the attack is repulsed. 

THE COUNTER ATTACK. 

64. — Immediate. 

It should follow immediately upon 
the successful repulse of the attack. 

65. — Counter attack formation. 

It should be developed in the follow- 
ing formation: 

1st. Grenadiers armed only with a 
bayonet, a bowie knife, a revolver and 
a full stock of grenades. With them 
a few men with pliers for wire cutting. 

2nd. Next a skirmish line of rifle- 
men with a full supply of ammunition. 
34 



3rd. Lastly, a line of men with en- 
trenching tools.* 

66. — Method of advance. 

Proceed by short leaps making use 

of available protection and crawl flat 

on the ground in approaching the en- 
emy's trench. 

67. — Capture of the enemy's fire trench. 

After the defenders in the fire trench 
are killed, jump in, throw bombs into 
the dugouts, pursue the enemy into the 
support and communication trenches. 

68. — Organize it against the enemy. 

Let then the engineers block up to 
the right and left the captured trench 
and organize it rapidly against the 
enemy, making it face about (through 
changing the parados into a parapet). 
The enemy is pursued as far as possible 
and kept away while fatigue parties 
from the rear bring up all necessary 
ammunition, sand bags, barbed wire, 
etc., carrying back all the captured 
enemy material. Other fatigue parties 
start at once to connect the former* fire 
trench with the captured trench by 
communication trenches 



*Modifications of this formation have since 
been adopted. Cf. Works cited in preface. 
35 



CONCERNING ARTILLERY. 



PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ENEMY'S 
ARTILLERY. 

69. — Artillery Bombardment. 

Whether preliminary to, in connec- 
tion with, or independent of an infantry 
attack, the enemy may make use of his 
artillery. 

This bombardment may be directed 
against the fire trench or back of the 
fire-trench. 

70. — Case I. — Bombardment of the Fire 
Trench. 

71. — All in shelter except sentinels 

Leave in the fire trench the neces- 
sary sentinels. 

Station all the other men in the shelt- 
ers of the support trench, or along the 
communication trench, if there are no 
shelters, but fully equipped and ready 
to jump to their places in the fire trench 
as soon as the enemy's artillery fire 
will stop or lengthen to allow his in- 
fantry to advance. 

36 



72. — Fire to impede observation. 

All through the bombardment, the 
sentinels should fire at all objects in 
the distance which may be used as ob- 
servation posts. The machine guns 
should cooperate with a slow sweeping 
fire. 

73. — Case II. — Bombardment back of 
Fire Trench. 

74. — Watch for infantry attack. 

All should stand to in the fire trench 
watching for a possible infantry attack 
and for a possible, shortening of the 
enemy's bombardment. If it occurs, 
proceed as in Case I. 

75. — Prevent observation. 

Fire against possible observation 
posts as in Case I. 

USE OF TRENCH ARTILLERY. 
76. — Use with a purpose. 

Whatever trench artillery appliances 
are provided, bomb-throwers, trench 
mortars, catapults, etc., they should 
never be used hap-hazard, but always 
with great deliberation and fore- 
thought. 

37 



Have a distinct end in view and 
watch for the best opportunity to at- 
tain it. 

Such definite aims may be : to inter- 
fere with a relief, a fatigue, a trench 
construction or repair, to destroy ac- 
cessory defences, etc. 

77. — Keep it ready. 

Let the mortars, etc., be kept loaded 
and trained on the target selected, 
ready to be fired instantly. The crews 
should be near at hand and a sentinel 
posted to watch for a favorable oppor- 
tunity. 

78. — Save ammunition. 

Until this opportunity occurs, do not 
fire. 

79. — Have several emplacements. 

Several emplacements should be pro- 
vided so that mortars, etc., may be re- 
moved as soon as they have obtained 
desired results or been located by the 
enemy. 

The trench mortar commander 

should make it his business to study 

carefully all possibilities for effective 

emplacements and should inspire his 

38 



men to be alert and quick to improve 
opportunities. 

80. — Use of machine guns. 

The machine guns should likewise 
be handled as a mobile weapon and not 
be used merely from elaborate careful- 
ly concealed emplacements command- 
ing otherwise uncovered ground or en- 
filading communication trenches, etc.* 

81. — Use of hand grenades. 

Hand grenades may be listed as 
trench artillery. The temptation is to 
use them too freely. Like other am- 
munition they should never be wasted 
and always used with a definite aim. 

FIELD ARTILLERY COOPERATION. 

82. — Communications with the artil- 
lery. 

Should be permanent so that it may 
cooperate whether to repulse an en- 
emy's attack, to silence his artillery, to 

* Captain Hanguillart treats this im- 
portant subject very summarily. Cf. Cole 
& Schoonmaker's Military Instructor's 
Manual p. 319. He also barely mentions 
Gas attacks. Cf. very complete treatment in 
same work, p. 356 to 370. 

39 



damage his defences or to prepare and 
protect an attack or a counter attack. 

83. — Observations posts. 

To avoid a waste of ammunition, and 
attain the desired result as well as to 
prevent the artillery fire from falling 
short upon one's own trenches, artil- 
lery observation posts should be pro- 
vided in the fire trench or at one of 
the outposts. 

84. — Artillery fire falling short. 

In case artillery fire does fall short 
upon one's own trenches, communicate 
at once with artillery commander and 
proceed as when bombarded by enemy. 
(Cf. 69 ff.) 

85. — Artillery preparation of infantry 
attack. 

Special caution should be exercised 
in the case of a raid against the ene- 
my's trench. Make sure that the artil- 
lery preparation has secured the de- 
sired result. Synchronize carefully the 
infantry advance and the lengthening 
of the artillery fire. 



40 



DAILY SCHEDULE. 



86. — Rosters and schedules. 

Throughout the stay in the trenches, 
the various fatigues should be assigned 
by roster and carried out according to 
schedule. The following schedule has 
been found practical : 

7 A.M. (6 A.M. in summer). 
87.— Cleaning of trenches. 

Have trenches cleaned of all rubbish, 
latrines disinfected, drinking water sup- 
plied. 

88. — Collecting of broken equipment. 

All cartridge shells, broken tools, etc. 
should be collected. 

89. — Requisition Report. 

A list of the supplies and ammuni- 
tion needed should be drawn up. 

90. — Report on night activities. 

Full report should be brought to the 
company commander, covering the 
work of the patrols and of the fatigue 
parties, and giving full details of all 
that has happened during the night. 

41 



91. — Report on casualties. 

Also the list of casualties in the last 
twelve hours with full names and na- 
ture of wound if possible. 

92. — Disposal of property of dead and 
wounded. 
The arms and complete equipment 
of the wounded should be sent out with 
them. The arms and equipment of the 
killed should be sent to the battalion 
commander. Their personal effects ; 
money, papers, letters, etc., should be 
carefully collected, listed, and sent to 
the sergeant-major. 

8 A.M. 
93.— Sick Parade. 

The men able to walk are taken to 
the doctor's dugout by an N.C.O. 

4 P.M. 
94. — Assignment of patrols. 

Assign night patrols from roster. 
Point out itinerary while light permits. 
Have neighbouring sectors advised of 
same. 

(8. P.M.) 
95. — Inspections. 

Inspection of sentinels in fire trench, 
Inspection of ammunition supplies. 



42 



TURNING OVER THE 
TRENCHES. 



THE RELIEF. 

96. — In the afternoon and in each sec- 
tion: 

Have all the tools and supplies col- 
lected and list drawn up ready to hand 
over to successor against receipt for 
same. 

Inspect equipment of men that they 
may be taken out completely. 

Check up exact itinerary of relief in 
and out. 

97. — At the time of relief: 

Have rifles inspected and emptied. 
Give strict orders for silence. 
Follow same marching order as when 
coming in. 

Have officer march in rear. 

98. — On reaching billets. 

Have the roll called and sent to the 
officer of the day. 

Have rifles inspected. 

43 



THE DAY AFTER THE RELIEF. 
99. — Replace equipment. 

Have all arms cleaned and oiled. 

Have broken arms turned in and 
others issued. 

Inspect shoes, clothes, equipment, 
tools, and replace when needed. 

Have special inspection of gas-masks 
and replace if needed. 

100.— Sanitation. 

Have underwear washed, and per- 
sonal cleanliness attended to, baths, 
hair-cuts, etc. 

Have premises kept clean and latri- 
nes disinfected daily. 

OUT OF THE TRENCHES. 

101. — Specialists' Instruction. 

While in rest billets: Have all spe- 
cialists' instruction continued : sharp- 
shooters, bomb-throwers, signallers, 
etc. 

102. — Bayonet exercises. 

Should be given special attention. 



103. — Close and extended order drill 

and m 
exercise. 



and marching give the men needed 



44 



104. — Relaxation. 

should also be provided : in the form 
of games, contests, entertainments, etc. 
They help to keep the men "fit." 

105. — Efficiency. 

The company commander should 
make it is his constant concern that 
his men be kept at the highest possible 
point of efficiency. 



45 



QUESTIONS. 



The following questions are topical. Sup- 
plements to the answers found in this book 
should be looked for in the larger works 
referred to in the preface. 



Trench Life and Trench Warfare. 

1. — What inspections should be 
made on the day before the relief? 

2. — State orders to be issued one 
hour before departure. 

3. — What may be the marching- or- 
ders on the way to the trenches? 

4. — Describe precautions to be 
taken against enemy's fire, against 
aeroplanes. 

5. — What other precautions should 
be taken. 

6. — What should the company 
commander attend to on reaching the 
trenches? 

7. — What possible improvements of 
trenches are obviously called for 

8. — What special attention should 
be given the parapet. 

9. — Give rules for drainage and 
sanitation. 

10. — What precautions may be 
taken against capture of fire-trench? 

46 



11. — What does trench warfare cor- 
respond to in open warfare? 

12. — What does the safety of a sec- 
tor depend on? 

13. — What is the fundamental duty 
in trench warfare? 

14. — What rule determines the num- 
ber of men to be posted in the fire- 
trench? 

15. — Sum up their orders about fir- 
ing before open terrain, before covered 
terrain. 

16. — What is meant by double sen- 
tinels? 

17. — Why is listening attentively even 
more important than keeping a sharp 
look out? 

18. — Why should the sentinels re- 
frain from answering the enemy's fire? 

19. — What is expected of the men in 
the listening posts? 

20. — When should the sentinels fire 
on a clear night? When, on a dark 
night ? 

21. — What should the sentinels do, if 
they hear the enemy's digging? 

22. — When and where are sharp- 
shooters posted and what is their duty? 

23. — What information may patrols 
bring back? 

47 



24. — When should patrols be sent 
out and how should they be assigned? 

25. — What should the sentinels along 
a sector know about the patrols, and 
the several possible patrols know about 
one another? 

26. — Describe dress and equipment 
of men on patrols. 

27. — Describe their method of ad- 
vance. 

28. — What should they do on en- 
countering a hostile patrol ? 

29.— What should be the motto of 
men on patrol? 

30. — What are some of the most 
useful informations about the enemy, 
you should try to obtain? 

31. — What motto should you have 
about ammunition? 

32. — Describe several ways of lead- 
ing enemy to waste ammunition? 

33. — What is the distinction between 
legitimate and illegitimate ruses? 

34. — On what principle is the ene- 
my's ruse of the use of blank car- 
tridges based? 

35. — How may this ruse be foiled? 

36. — What should the sentinels, and 
what should the men on patrol do, 
when the enemy sends up flares? 

37. — How should the enemy's ma- 
chine gun fire be answered? 

48 



An Enemy's Attack. 



38. — Describe procedure when ene- 
my's patrols are sighted by sentinels 
and when an attack develops. 

39. — When are the trench mortars 
and the machine guns fired? 

40. — How are hand grenades 
thrown? 

41. — Where should the rifle fire be 
aimed? 

42. — When are bayonets used? 

43. — Is it sufficient to repulse an 
attack? 

44. — What formation should be 
adopted for the counter attack? 

45. — How is the advance made and 
the counter attack carried out? 

46. — Describe what is meant by or- 
ganization of a newly conquered 
trench. 

47. — What should be done, if the 
enemy bombards the fire-trench? 

48. — What should the sentinels do? 

49. — What should be done if the 
bombardment is back of the fire- 
trench ? 

50. — -What general rule applies to 
the use of all trench artillery? 

51. — What are its ordinary objec- 
tives? 

49 



52. — How are trench mortars han- 
dled? 

53. — What is meant by calling 
trench-artillery mobile weapons? 

54. — Give a general caution for the 
use of all ammunition. 

55. — What is essential to secure ef- 
fective artillery fire? 

56. — What should be done if one's 
own artillery fire falls short upon one's 
own trenches? 

57. — How is coordination between 
artillery and infantry secured in case 
of a raid? 

58. — What are the principal items 
of the morning schedule, of the after- 
noon schedule? 

59. — Describe the preparations for 
leaving the trenches. 

60. — What orders are given at the 
time of relief? 

61. — What is done before the men 
are dismissed to their billets? 

62. — How should the days in rest 
billets be utilized? 

63. — Describe a typical day in the 
trenches. 

64. — Describe a typical day in rest 
billets. 

65. — What should be the supreme 
aim alike of men and officers? 

50 



Part II. 

French Infantry Combat 
Principles. 



51 



FRENCH INFANTRY COMBAT 
PRINCIPLES. 



OPEN WARFARE. 

106. — Is open warfare probable? 

It is improbable that in this war 
trench warfare will definitely give place 
on all sectors of the front to open war- 
fare. 

But the tactics that have forced sev- 
eral retirements will force others. 

If sufficient troops are available, 
tried and fit and resolute, with the ne- 
cessary quantities of ammunition and 
improved artillery, we shall see Ger- 
man arrogance and brutality in victory 
become again cringing fear and demor- 
alization in defeat ; the experience of 
the Marne will be repeated and the 
invaders will be driven out of the ter- 
ritory they swarmed over through 
treacherous breaking of treaties. 

107. — The need of training in Infantry 
Combat Principles. 

That day the infantry will come 
53 



again unto its own and its dash and 
resolution will insure victory. 

To achieve it, it must be a well train- 
ed infantry, in the old sense of the 
word. Officers, non-commissioned of- 
ficers and men must have a thorough 
and practical knowledge of Infantry 
Combat Principles. 

These should be practiced in the in- 
tervals of trench service when the bat- 
talion is in rest billets. 

Their theory should be thoroughly 
mastered by all on whom may devolve 
responsibility. 

108. — The two phases of the Combat. 

We shall study here the two princip- 
al phases of the combat : the approach 
and the attack, from the point of view 
of the company commander. 

109.— The Defense. 

We shall also consider the Combat 
from the standpoint of the Defense. 



54 



THE APPROACH. 



110. — All maneuvering at close range 
impossible. 

In the attack, the infantry can pro- 
ceed only straight ahead. Under in- 
fantry fire all maneuvering is impos- 
sible. Therefore by "approach" is 
meant all maneuvering preparatory 
to the attack : It brings the troops 
directly in front of and as near as pos- 
sible to the objective. 

PRELIMINARY DISPOSITIONS TO 
START THE APPROACH. 

111. — The orders to attack. 

The company commander will re- 
ceive his orders from the battalion 
commander. 

112. — Equipment and Liaison. 

In the meanwhile let the lieutenants: 

a) make sure that the men are fully 
equipped and provided with full 
allotment of ammunition ; 

b) appoint and parade connecting 
files (runners) to await orders. 

55 



113.— Distribution of Orders. 

The company commander having 
.received his orders from the battalion 
commander, will then call his subor- 
dinates and issue his own orders ac- 
cordingly, including the formation to 
be adopted. 

114. — Combat patrols. 

He will make sure that there are 
combat patrols on the exposed flank or 
flanks and to the front and rear if 
need be. 

It is well to have combat patrols 
detach automatically. It may be un- 
derstood, once for all, that, without 
further orders, the first squad will 
cover in front, the second to the right, 
the third to the left, the fourth to the 
rear, whenever needed. Still, the officer 
in charge should make sure that this 
arrangement is carried out. 

A combat patrol, if not a full advance 
guard, will thus always preceed a unit 
and be the first to take contact with 
the enemy. 

115. — Officers as guides. 

The officers serve as guides to their 
units, until deployment, a mounted of- 
ficer in liaison with the advance guard 

56 



or advanced combat patrol checking up 
the itinerary. 

116. — Keep Close Order as long as pos 
sible. 

The advance of a company into an 
engagement is conducted in close or- 
der, preferably columns of squads, un- 
til possible observation by the enemy 
or encountering of hostile fire makes it 
advisable to deploy. 

Deployment should not be premature 
and should always follow' upon the 
conditions arising during the progress 
of the advance. 



S 



PRECAUTIONS AGAINST 

HOSTILE ARTILLERY. 

AGAINST SILENT ARTILLERY. 

117. — Nearing artillery which may 
open fire. 

About two or three miles from the 
positions liable to be occupied by the 
enemy's field artillery, precautions 
should be taken against the possibility 
of its opening fire. 

118. — Deployment. 

Deployments should be adopted best 
suited to escape observation : 

119. — To escape direct observation: 

March in single or double file, the 
whole section* keeping closed up so as 
to diminish the number of files seen 
from the front. 

120. — Under aeroplane observation: 

Avoid especially the center of roads 
as they show white, utilize on the con- 



*The French "section" comprises 54 men. 
It is thus equivalent to 7 squads, and may 
be considered as 2 platoons. 

58 



trary the spaces between cultivated 
fields of different colors, make use of 
all possible cover, trees, shrubs, dit- 
ches, embankments. Always walk in 
the shade when possible. If hostile 
aeroplanes are flying low, halt and lie 
down on left side, hiding face in elbow. 

CROSSING A BOMBARDED ZONE. 

121. — Case I. Artillery opening fire to 
register. 

A registering fire is easily recognized 
as the German artillery registers either 
with a single percussion shell at a time, 
or with two time-shells at three sec- 
onds interval. 

In the German field gun, the setting 
of the angle of sight* and of the eleva- 
tion** involves two operations. 

122.— Oblique to right then to left. 

Therefore infantry under registering 
fire should oblique forward rapidly. 

123. — Case II : Artillery opening fire for 

effect. 

The zone has necessarily been previ- 



* Inclination of the line of sight to the 
horizontal. 

** The vertical inclination of the gun. 

59 



ously registered. Such a zone is easily 
recognized by the presence of shell 
holes. 

124. — Avoid Zone if possible. 

It should be avoided and the advance 
made on its outskirts. 

125. — The five cases of fire for effect. 

If this cannot be done and the fire 

for effect materializes five cases are to 

be distinguished as the shells may be : 

1. Shrapnel shells bursting at right 
height ; 

2. Shrapnel shells bursting high. 

3. Time-Fuse high explosive shells 
bursting at right height. 

4. Time-Fuse high explosive shells 
bursting high ; 

5. Percussion high explosive shells. 

126. — Case 1. Burst Area of Shrapnel 
shells bursting at right height. 

The area of burst is about 250 to 
300 yards in length and 30 yards in 
width, half the bullets falling on the 
first 50 yards of the beaten zone. 

127. — Protective Formation against 
Shrapnel. 

Advance in line of section, in single 
60 



or double file keeping as closed up as 
possible with 30 yards intervals be- 
tween sections. 

The second line should be 250 to 300 
yards behind the first. 

128. — Case 2. Shrapnel shells bursting 
high. 

Much less dangerous than when 
bursting at right height as initial speed 
of bullets is spent. Same formation as 
for Case 1. 

129. — Case 3. Burst area of Time-fuse 
high explosive shells bursting at 
right height. 

The area of burst is opposite to that 
of shrapnel : short depth, large width, 
only 7 to 10 yards depths as opposed 
to 60 to 100 yards in width. 

130. — Protective Formation against 
Time-fuse high explosives. 

Advance in line of section, single or 
double file, keeping as closed up as 
possible with 60 to 100 yards intervals 
between sections. 

The second line may be 15 yards 
behind the first. 

61 



131. — Case 4. High explosive shells 
bursting high. 

The depth of the area of burst is 
longer than when shells burst at the 
right height ; therefore widen interval 
between the lines. 

132. — Case 5. Burst area of percussion 
high explosive shells. 

The radius of the explosion is only 
about 25 yards but the local effect is 
intense and the displacement is effect- 
ive in more than double the radius. 

133. — Protective Formation against 
percussion high explosive shells. 

Advance in line of section in double 
file, keeping as closed up as possible, 
with about 100 yards intervals between 
sections. 

The second line may be about 50 
yards behind the first. 

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

AGAINST ALL TYPES OF 

EFFECTIVE FIRE. 

134. — Dangerous to stop, useless to run. 

Do not stop in a zone under fire for 
effect as lying down only provides a 
larger target. If absolutely obliged to 

62 



stop, remain standing and packed to- 
gether like sardines, maintaining above 
formations and intervals. It is useless 
to run, but, as much as possible, ad- 
vance steadily. 

135. — Protective Formation against 
all types of shells. 

As may appear from the study of the 
above the following formation and in- 
tervals will afford the best protection 
against all types and combinations of 
types of shells, as a shell will never 
affect more than one section. 

Advance in lines of sections in double 
file, keeping as closed up as possible, 
with 85 to 110 yards intervals between 
sections. 

The second line should be 250 to 300 
yards behind the first. 

* All through this chapter, maximum in- 
tervals are given. They may have to be 
shortened to secure closer order at the 
expense of greater safety. 



63 



SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE 
APPROACH. 

USE OF WOODS AS SHELTER ON 
THE ADVANCE. 

136.— Avoid if small. 

They should be used to advance 01 
halt only if they are of considerable 
size. Then, they hide movements and 
provide some shelter from fire. On the 
contrary, .when they are small, they 
are to be avoided as they draw artil- 
lery fire and do not offer sufficient 
protection. 

137. — Liaison difficult. 

When advancing in woods, special 
care should be taken to keep all frac- 
tions connected. 

138. — Exit quickly at one time. 

To exit from wood, take all neces- 
sary dispositions under cover so that, 
on the signal of the commander, all 
fractions may be ready to spring out 
together. Thev should continue to ad- 
vance forward, as rapidly as possible, 

64 



to avoid the enemy's likely shelling of 
the outskirts. 

138. — Otherwise exit in different 
places. 

If the exit cannot be made by all 
fractions at one time, the elements of 
the second line should avoid coming 
out at the same point as those of the 
first line. 

TO CROSS A CREST. 
139. — Cross altogether and rapidly. 

Let the line of sections assemble at 
top of crest, crouching carefully below 
the sky line. Then, upon concerted 
signal, all should leap quickly across 
and down the descending slope, mak- 
ing as extended bounds as possible. 

This makes crossing fairly safe as 
even the infantry will have to modify 
both its elevation and angle of sight 
for every new position of this quickly 
moving target. 

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CAVALRY. 

140.— Cavalry Patrols. 

During the whole "approach" watch 
should be kept for possible cavalry 
patrols. The elements acting as ad- 
65 



vance guard and flank guards or as 
combat patrols have as part of their 
special mission to keep the cavalry 
away from the main body. 

141. — Face and Fire. 

To repulse cavalry, the infantry must 
be able to face quickly toward the 
charging horsemen and furnish a heavy 
fire. 

142. — Protective formations. 

If cavalry patrols are expected ahead, 
deployment as skirmishers will secure 
this, if on the flanks, deploy in columns 
of squads marching in double file. A 
formation in echelon is effective at all 
times. 

143. — Repulsing the charge. 

If cavalry appears, stop, face the 
charge quickly, fix bayonets and fire at 
will, the section leaders controling the 
fire. 

144. — In case of surprise. 

If surprised, deploy quickly and lie 
down. 



66 



THE ATTACK. 

THE TERMINATION OF THE 
APPROACH. 

145.— The Objective. 

The standard objective of a battalion 
is a maximum front of 550 yards. 

146. — Determination of the Objective. 

On nearing the objective the battal- 
ion commander reconnoiters rapidly to 
determine the number of companies to 
put in the front line and the part of the 
objective to be assigned to each. 

147. — Horses sent back. 

Mounted officers now send back their 
horses to reserve battalion. 

148. — Assignment of position to com- 
panies. 

The battalion commander assigns to 
each company its part of the objective 
and the position from which it is to 
start the attack. 

149. — Getting into position for the 
attack. 

The orders are given verbally by 
67 



the battalion commander to the cap- 
tains and by the captains to the com- 
pany usually through the platoon lead- 
ers as the company is not in close order. 

150. — Deployment before infantry fire. 

As soon as the zone swept by the in- 
fantry fire of the enemy is reached 
(about 1000 yards) deployment as skir- 
mishers becomes imperative. 

151. — Methods of advance. 

Keep on advancing toward positions 
for the attack by fractions, varying 
method according to the terrain ; short 
rushes, crawling, making use of all 
possible cover. 

152. — Position of officers. 

The battalion commander and the 
captains march with the supports, the 
battalion commander controling the 
despatch of reinforcements. As soon 
as the supports are all sent forward 
they march with the fraction nearest 
the enemy. 

153. — Liaison. 

A connecting file (runner) accom- 
panies the battalion commander and 
each of the captains. 

68 



THE FIRE ATTACK. 

154.— The time to fire. 

It is determined by the casualties. 

155— The order to fire. 

It is given by the captains ; (only in 
case of extreme emergency by a sub- 
altern.) 

156.— Fire Control. 

The section leaders, under the direc- 
tion of the captain ; control the fire : 
classes of firing, volley firing, firing at 
will ; the target (the nearest hostile 
troops within the sector of the object- 
ive being the usual target) ; the range, 
the opening and cessation of fire in vol- 
ley fire. 

157. — Fire observation. 

The section leaders are helped in 
their observation of the fire effect by 
observers standing besides them. The 
fire is usually directed independently 
by section or half section. 

158. — Verification of range. 

In principle, the corporals do not 
take part in the fire but verify the 
69 



range and direction of the fire of their 
respective squads. 

ADVANCING THE FIRING LINE. 

159. — Methods of advance. 

To advance the firing line in attack, 
all means are good : by section, half- 
section, squad, the only condition be- 
ing that it be by commanded fractions. 

160. — Closing in to replace casualties. 

As men fall, the rest close in toward 
the section leader, the sections rectify- 
ing intervals on the sections furthest 
advanced (the captain is with this sec- 
tion, all sections being now in line.) 

161. — Closing in on the battalion front. 

The several companies rectify inter- 
vals in the same way on the furthest 
advanced company (the battalion com- 
mander being with this company). 

162. — Seize every opportunity to ad- 
vance. 

Every propitious occasion to ad- 
vance should be seized at once by the 
various elements of the line : greater 
effectiveness of the neighboring sec- 

70 



tion's fire, slackening fire of the enemy, 
effects of artillery, etc. 

163. — Each fraction protects advance of 
neighbor. 

The movement forward of each 
fraction of the line should be protected 
by the fire of the neighboring fraction. 

164. — Keep fit to fire accurately. 

The fraction leader, after each rush 
forward, should give time to the men 
to get back their breath so that they 
may fire with careful aim. 

165. — Liaison with the Captain. 

The captain should be kept informed 
by a conventional signal as to the need 
of ammunition, etc. 

USE OF MACHINE GUNS IN THE 
ATTACK. 

136. — During the Approach. 

Use them judiciously but boldly, 
They should advance as first units. 

167. — During the fire attack. 

Strive to keep abreast or ahead of 
the most advanced elements especially 
on the flanks. 

71 



168. — During the charge. 

Try to have them reach the objective 
with the firing line and contribute to 
the pursuit. 

THE COMPANY SUPPORTS. 

169. — In liaison with the captain. 

The sections kept in support are at 
the disposition of the captain. 

170. — Method of advance. 

Under the command of the section 
leader, they advance, in double file, at 
proper intervals or deployed, according 
to their proximity to the enemy and 
according to the terrain (covered or 
uncovered). 

171. — Distance from the firing line. 

They should be about 250 yards be- 
hind the firing line to whose move- 
ments they conform. 

172. — Supplying the firing line. 

The section leaders keep in sight of 
the captain and upon his signaled 
command advance into the firing line 
either to fill up a gap or to reinforce 
a section. 

12 



173. — When filling a gap. 

They advance as far as possible 
ahead of the line. 

1 74. — Reinforcing. 

They come up with a rush and shout 
to rehearten the line. 

THE COMPANIES IN SUPPORT. 

175.— Position. 

They are kept out of range of the 
enemy's fire upon the firing line but 
near enough to interfere as soon as 
called upon. 

176. — Liaison with battalion com- 
mander. 

The captains keep in touch with the 
battalion commander. 

177. — Advance into action. 

These companies advance into the 
fire zone with the necessary precau- 
tions, either by fractions or entire, tak- 
ing advantage of favorable conditions : 
inefficiency of the enemy's fire, effect- 
iveness of the firing line, etc. 

THE CHARGE. 

178.— The final aim. 

The charge is the final aim of the 
73 



whole attack. Its success means the 
defeat of the enemy. 

179.— Caution. 

It should not be launched too soon. 

180. — By whom ordered. 

The order may come directly from 
the commander of the attacking line or 
be solicited by any of his subordinates. 

181. — Method of advance. 

Fix bayonets, advance, stop to fire, 
advance again, but always so as to ar- 
rive on the enemy's position without 
being out of breath. 

THE PURSUIT. 

182. — One essential rule. 

It should be vigorously pressed. 

183. — Organize new position. 

In the meanwhile the conquered po- 
sition should be organized. 



74 



SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE 
ATTACK. 

ATTACK OF A WOOD. 

184. — First objective. 

In the attack of a wood, the first 
objective should be the outskirts. Con- 
centrate the first effort on the salients. 

185. — Method of Advance. 

As soon as the wood is penetrated, 
advance quickly forward, utilizing all 
roads, paths and trails. The company 
advances by sections or half sections, 
in single or double file, preceded by 
strong- patrols. 

Every effort should be made to close 
in with the bayonet. 

186.— Outflanking. 

The companies or fractions on the 
flank strive to outflank the enemy so 
as to attack him on the flank or from 
behind. 

187.— Frontal Attack. 

The companies or fractions in the 

7* 



center try to get across the wood as 
quickly as possible, or, at least, to 
reach a clearing. 

ATTACK OF A VILLAGE. 
188.-— First Objective. 

In the attack of a village, the first 
objective should be the nearest out- 
skirt. 

189.— Organize. 

Consolidate this first position as soon 
as conquered. Signal to the artillery 
to lengthen the range. 

190— Frontal attack. 

Then try to gain as rapidly as pos- 
sible the opposite end. 

191.— Outflanking. 

The flanking units endeavor to en- 
circle the objective. 

192. — Against interior defense. 

If the defense has been strongly or- 
ganized inside the village, fight for- 
ward step by step. Blow up the ob- 
stacles with explosives. 
76 



193. — Cooperation of Artillery. 

Have artillery bring up a few guns 
within close range. 

ATTACK OF A DEFILE. 

194. — When defended in front. 

If it is defended in front, try to ad- 
vance rapidly by one or both flanks, 
small fractions only attacking on the 
valley bottom, while the greater part 
of the attacking force progresses on the 
heights on either side, the flanks striv- 
ing to keep forward so as to reach the 
other end before the defenders and en- 
circle them. 

195. — When defended in rear. 

If the defile is defended at the far- 
ther end, as in the case of a bridge, 
echelon units (properly covered) for 
heavy concentrated fire from the bank 
held and cross the bridge on the run 
and in small groups. 

NIGHT ATTACKS. 

196.— Of limited scope. 

They must be confined to simple 
movements over easy ground. 

77 



197. — Orders to be given. 

They must be carefully prepared 
secretly beforehand in every detail. The 
orders must include detailed particu- 
lars on the role of each unit or fraction 
of units, precise data on the rallying 
points and on the signals to be used. 

198. — Small units used. 

For many reasons, chief among 
which is the difficulty of handling 
large units at night and maintaining 
contact, small units should be used. 

199. — A battalion the maximum. 

The fire of the adversary being negli- 
gible at night, there is seldom any ad- 
vantage in putting more than a battal- 
ion in line against a given objective, 
the quality, discipline and cohesion of 
the troops making up for the number. 

200. — Special precaution. 

Before beginning the approach, care- 
fully secure all arms and utensils so 
as to prevent noise. Fix bayonets. 

201. — Method of advance. 

Walk in double files on sides or 
roads, never in the center. Otherwise 
78 



as long as practicable, in columns of 
squads. 

202.— Liaison. 

Commands are to be transmitted in 
a low voice by connecting files. 

203. — To secure surprise. 

Keep absolute silence. Forbid all 
lights. No smoking allowed. 

204. — Reconnaissance. 

The itinerary should be reconnoiter- 
ed beforehand, if possible, and index 
stakes planted ; otherwise an officer 
should precede with a luminous com- 
pass and men to plant the stakes. 

205. — No fire before charge. 

Do not answer the enemy's fire un- 
til the charge. 

206. — Quickness essential. 

Success depends above all on the 
rapidity and continuity of the advance. 
Get there as quickly as possible. 



T) 



THE DEFENSE. 

DEFENSE OF POINTS d'APPUIS 
WOODS, VILLAGES, DEFILES. 



DEFENSE OF WOODS. 

207. — Distribution of Troops. 

The commander should distribute his 
command so as to provide a defense 
of the outskirts, an interior defense and 
reserves for a counter attack. 

208.— The outskirt defense. 

The outskirts defense troops should 
organize their positions and remain 
hidden near the combat emplacements 
until the attack is announced as im- 
pending by their sentinels. 

209.— The interior defense. 

The interior defense troops should 
organize their positions (abatis, barb- 
wire) on the edges of clearings and 
other open spaces so as to secure con- 
vergent fire. 

210.— The Reserves. 

The counter-attack reserves should 
80 



be placed in the rear and on the out- 
side of the flank best suited for launch- 
ing a counter attack. They should 
proceed to organize the ground so as 
to prevent the enemy from issuing 
from the wood, and should strive to 
keep on. 

DEFENSE OF A VILLAGE. 
211. — Distribution of Troops. 

The same as for the defense of a 
wood. 

212.— The exits. 

The outskirts defense organization 
should include trenches and accessory 
defences before all the exits. These 
should be strongly barricaded. 

213. — Interior strong point. 

The interior defense should be or- 
ganized about the houses most strongly 
built and least visible to the enemy's 
artilllery. It should include hidden 
communications between these strong 
points, thus facilitating a prolonged 
defense. 

214. — Special precautions. 

The streets should be barricaded and 
loopholes provided in the walls of the 

81 



houses. Precautions should be taken 
against fire : pails of water, boxes of 
sand provided in the houses. 

DEFENSE OF A DEFILE. 

215. — To keep the exits open for an 
advance. 

If the aim is to keep the exits open 
so as to permit the advance of troops, 
the defense should be organized at 
some distance in front of the defile: far 
enough to permit the unimpeded pro- 
gress of the advance. 

216. — To keep exits open for a retreat. 

If the aim is to keep the exits open 
so as to cover the retreat of troops, the 
roads at the bottom of the defile should 
be left free and the defense troops so 
placed as to draw the enemy's fire on 
other points. 

217.— To block the defile. 

If the aim is to block the defile, the 
defense should be organized in the in- 
terior of the defile on both sides of the 
place of greatest width, so as to secure 
convergence of fire. Echelon detach- 
ments all along the defile to act as a 
rear guard in case a retreat is neces- 
sary. Keep the flanks well protected. 

82 



NIGHT DEFENSE OF A POSITION 
218. — Precautions against attack. 

Attack should be guarded against by 
accumulating obstacles and the defense 
further prepared by previous reconnoit- 
ering of the best ground for counter- 
attacks. 

219. — Receive with violent fire and im- 
mediate counterattacks. 

The enemy's charge should be met 
with a violent fire at the shortest pos- 
sible range, followed immediately by 
counter-attacks with the bayonet, es- 
pecially on the flanks. 

THE COUNTER ATTACK. 

220. — Confine to definite Objective. 

Indicate the objective very definitely 
including the position to be reached 
but not gone beyond. 

Its direction should not interfere 
with the fire of neighboring troops. 

221. — Necessary Reconnaissance. 

The Counter Attack should be pre- 
pared cautiously and the itinerary care- 
fully, even if rapidly, reconnoitered 
(This may have been done as part of 

P3 



the preparation of the defense. It 
should be done with special care if the 
counter-attack is to take place at 
night.) 

222. — Watch for opportunity. 

It may be decided upon independent- 
ly of the incidents of the defense or to 
take advantage of the mistakes or 
weakness of the adversary. 

223. — Counter from short distance. 

The most favorable moment is when 
the enemy is within a short distance 
and its artillery consequently obliged 
to stop or to lengthen its fire. 

224. — Sudden and intense fire. 

It should be launched suddenly so as 
'to surprise the enemy and pushed vi- 
gorously, the fire being increased to 
great intensity along the whole front. 

225. — Rapid and continuous advance. 

Rapidity and continuity of advance is 
essential. 

226. — Bayonet charge. 

Its culmination is the bayonet charge 

84 



against the prescribed definite object- 
ive. 

227.— Stop! 

Hold this objective once conquered 
but do not go beyond. 

228. — Dash under Discipline. 

Let the motto be always, but here 
especially: "DASH UNDER DIS- 
CIPLINE." 



85 



QUESTIONS. 



The following questions cover the prin- 
ciples of combat in -open warfare. These 
principles have been supplemented rather 
than changed in the light of experience 
since 1914. In their original form, as given 
in this book, they still may be considered 
as fundamental. Compare them carefully 
with the treatment of the same topics in 
the larger works recommended. The ques- 
tions are shaped to cover the topics sup- 
plemented. 



1. — What is the difference between 
"trench warfare" and "open warfare"? 

2. — What is meant by the "combat"? 

3. — What are the two phases of the 
combat? 

4. — What is the destinction between 
"the approach" and the "attack"? 

5. — Why is maneuvering impossible 
under infantry fire? 

6. — What is the purpose of the ap- 
proach ? 

7. — How are orders issued? 

8. — How is liaison secured? 

9. — What were the original func- 
tions of combat patrols? 
86 



10. — When should close order be 
abandoned for deployment? 

11. — At what distance from the ene- 
my does deployment become im- 
perative? 

12. — What is the last formation to 
escape direct observation? 

13. — What precautions may be taken 
against aeroplane observations? 

14. — What is the difference between 
a registering fire and fire for effect? 
15. — How may the German register- 
ing fire be recognized? 

16. — What precaution may be taken 
against it and why is it effective? 

17. — What preliminaries are neces- 
sary to open fire for effect? 

18. — What is an easy way to recog- 
nize whether fire for effect may be 
expected? 

19. — What five cases of fire may be 
distinguished? 

20. — What is the burst area of a 
shrapnel shell? 

21. — What is the safest protective 
formation against shrapnel? 

22. — What is the difference between 
a shapnel shell, a time-fuse high ex- 
plosive shell and a percussion high 
explosive shell ? 

87 



23. — What is the burst area of a 
time-fuse high explosive shell? 

24. — What is the safest protective 
formation against it 

25. — What is the burst area of per- 
cussion high explosive shells, and what 
precautions can be taken against them ? 

26. — What is the safest protective 
formation against all types of shells? 

27. — What objections may it be open 
to? 

28. — What is the safest way and 
direction to go when under artillery 
fire? 

29. — Why should small woods be 
avoided? 

30. — In large woods, what precau- 
tions must be taken to secure a steady 
advance? 

31. — How should the exit from a 
wood be made? 

32. — Describe method of crossing a 
crest. 

33. — What are good protective for- 
mations against cavalry and how is it 
repulsed? 

34. — What elements have the mission 
to deal with cavalry patrols? 

35. — What is meant by "the objec- 
tive" in attack? 

88 



3G. — What is the distinction be- 
tween determining the objective and 
the position from which to start the 
attack? 

37. — What is the distinction between 
"the approach" and getting into posi- 
tion for the attack? 

38. — At what distance from the 
enemy does deployment as skirmishers 
become imperative? 

39. — Describe method of advance to- 
ward positions for the ^attack. 

40. — Where should the officers be 
during this advance? 

41. — How is liaison (communication) 
secured between the various com- 
mands ? 

42. — What is meant by the fire at- 
tack? 

44. — How is the time to fire deter- 
mined ? 

45. — How are fire control and fire 
effect secured? 

46. — How is the firing line advanced? 
47. — How is it rectified? 
48. — Why should care be taken not 
to have men out of breath ? 

49. — How should machine guns be 
89 . 



made to contribute to the approach, 
the fire attack, the charge? 

50. — How far should the company 
supports be from the firing line? 

51. — Who commands them? 

52. — How is the firing line rein- 
forced ? 

53. — Describe the company supports 
going into the line to fill up a gap, to 
reinforce a section. 

54. — Describe position and behavior 
of companies in support. 

55. — What is the final stage of the 
whole attack? 

56. — Who orders the charge and how 
is it made? 

57. — What is the difference between 
the charge and the pursuit? 

58. — What should be done with a 
newly conquered position? 

59. — What is the first objective in 
attacking a wood? 

60. — How does the aim of the troops 
on the wings differ from that of those 
in the center? 

62. — Distinguish the different object- 
ives in the attack of a village. 

63. — Describe the attack to proceed 
through a defile in which the enemy is 
located. 

90 



64. — Describe the attack of a bridge. 

65 t — Why should night attacks be of 
limited scope? 

60. — What special precautions should 
be taken? 

67.— What is the largest unit ad- 
visable? 

68. — How is surprise secured? 

69.— Describe the methods of recon- 
naissance, advance and liaison for a 
night attack. 

70. — Should the enemy's fire be an- 
swered in a night attack? 

71. — What does the success of a 
night attack chiefly depend on? 

72 —How should troops be distrib- 
uted for the defense of woods and what 
is the function of each? 

73— Describe the distribution of 
troops for the defense of a village. 

74. — How should the outskirts de- 
fense be organized? 

75. — Describe the interior defense. 

76._ How can a defile be kept open 
for an advance? 

77 _How can a defile be safeguarded 
for a retreat? 

78. — Give necessary orders for the 
blocking of a defde. 
91 



79. — Why should reconnoitering for 
counter attacks always be part of the 
organization for defense. 

80. — Describe repulse of a night at- 
tack. 

81. — Is an attack ever advisable with- 
out previous reconnaissance ? 

82. — Explain the importance of un- 
derstanding the exact objective in a 
counterattack. 

83. — What is the best time to launch 
a counter attack? 

84. — What precautions must be taken 
to secure the success of a counter at- 
tack? 

85. — What is a good motto under all 
conditions, but especially in the attack ? 



02 



Appendix. 



A Division Front in 
Trench Warfare. 



93 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 



The following may be considered a 
standard scheme of distribution of 
troops, for trench warfare, in a fully 
developed trench system. 

An infantry division is composed of 
two brigades, each brigade of two 
regiments, each regiment of three bat- 
talions. Each brigade thus has six 
battalions, each battalion numbering 
1026 officers and men, normally divid- 
ed into four companies. 

One battalion occupies about 1000 
yards in ordinary trench warfare. As 
reliefs must be frequent, three bat- 
talions of each brigade will be on duty, 
while the other three are in rest-billets, 
at least two miles back of the trenches. 

Two of the battalions on duty oc- 
cupy the trenches, the third is station- 
ed about a mile back, in reserve. 

A brigade can therefore hold about 
2000 yards of trenches: two battalions 
in front line trenches, one battalion in 
reserve, and three battalions in rest 
billets. 

Hence a division (two brigades) will 
hold a front of about 4000 yards. 
94 



Within each 1000 yards front, the 
distribution may be as follows: 

Three platoons of Companies A, B, 
and C occupy the dugouts of the cover 
trench and of the support trench and 
post sentinels by roster in the fire 
trench. 

Platoon No. 4 of each company oc- 
cupy the dugouts of the reserve trench, 
together with the entire Company D. 

Platoons and companies then relieve 
one another according to roster, a 
platoon of each company and an entire 
company, in turn, enjoying compar- 
ative rest in the reserve trench even 
during the stay of the battalion in the 
trenches. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. 

The following is a description of the 
back areas of a divisional sector in 
which there has been no great changes 
since 1915. There are still several 
hundred miles of such sectors. 

The line at the top marks the begin- 
ning of the trench-system described 
in Plate I. being the entrance to the 
communication trenches. 

Road a, b, with the river c, d, run 
at the bottom of a small valley sur- 
95 



rounded by hills of about 80 ft. eleva- 
tion. A branch of the river runs from 
c. to e. and a railroad beside it, along 
road h, i, and crossing road j, k. A 
good size village is at D, a smaller one 
at C, hamlets at A and B. The latter 
are about one mile back of the tren- 
ches, village C. about two miles and 
village D. between three and four. 

Hamlets A and B have probably 
been heavily bombarded at the time 
line was established and have been 
evacuated by the civilians. Village C. 
has received shells, but, if there has 
been no big attack in the sector, is in 
fair shape and some of the inhabitants 
remain. Village D. may also have 
suffered from shells but probably most 
of the inhabitants remain. Such vil- 
lages may be clusters of farms or of 
cottages, depending upon the region. 
If village is made up of cottages, farm 
houses will be found along the roads 
at frequent intervals. The fields are 
likely to be under cultivation almost 
as far as road k, 1. 

Villages A, B, C are used to billet 
the battalion in reserve of each bri- 
gade. Village D. and the nearest vil- 
lages further back are used as rest- 
billets by the battalions of the brigades 
who will relieve those in the trenches. 
96 



Near or in villages A, B and C or 
near hill E and G are located the trans- 
ports of the infantry battalions in the 
trenches. Supplies are sent daily to 
the trenches from this headquarters -of 
the quartermaster and transport offi- 
cer. 

Somewhere along road k, 1, or about 
hills E and G are hidden in gun pits 
the batteries of field artillery attached 
to the division. The men live in dug- 
outs alongside. The camps for the 
horses, wagons and supply headquart- 
ers of these batteries are hidden in the 
woods or on the further slopes of hills 
E, F, G. 

In village D are very likely located 
the Brigades' headquarters and such 
services as the Field Ambulance and 
the Divisional Supply Departments. 
The Y. M. C. A. recreation centers, 
divisional theatre, football fields, army 
canteens etc., are also located in vil- 
lage D or just back of it. If the 
houses in the villages do not provide 
enough billets, huts and tents are 
erected. Otherwise the officers are 
billeted in the houses of the inhabitants 
and the men in the barns. 

The Divisional Headquarters, the 
Ammunition Column, the Artillery 
Brigade Headquarters, the Engineers, 
97 ' 



the Ammunition Dumps, etc., are 
strung out in the villages and along 
the roads just back of village D. The 
heavier artillery is also posted back of 
this line. 

In sectors that have been the scenes 
of offensives the several elements re- 
main in the same relation, but as the 
villages have been obliterated, shelters 
must be provided. [The Editor.] 



98 



the Ammunition Dumps, etc., are 
strung out in the villages and along 
the roads just back of village D. The 
heavier artillery is also posted back of 
this line. 

In sectors that have been the scenes 
of offensives the several elements re- 
main in the same relation, but as the 
villages have been obliterated, shelters 
must be provided. [The Editor.] 



98 



PLATE I -DIVISION FRONT - ,000 yards rtrencli System.) 

lsi.Brigade 

IstBattalion-iooo^ds 



T 2nd. Brigade 

2nd.Ba1ialionMoooyd S j lsi.Baiialion- 1000yds 
A Co. , BCo. . CCo. • 

WOMen. '• 2.50rten ; 250Men ! 2. 




2nd. Battalion- 1000yds. 
l.LisienuW'Posis 
2. Accessory Defences 
S.Barbed.Wive 

.4. FIRE TRENCH 

,5.D0UBLlNGorCOVER 
orCmCULATJNG TRENCH 
6i>ossible Position /Trench 

Mortars 
t: Possible Po5ii ion °f 

Machine Guns 
8.Pos5ible Oto ervation-losta 

^SUPPORT TRENCH 
(The Different Trenches 
are provided with 
Shelters &* Dugouts 
jorWw^b. Officers 

lo.PESERVE TRENCH 

U.C0MMUNICAT1OM 
TRENCH or BOYAU 

13 Battalion Commanders 
Qtiai ters 



! ^rdBaildlion^Rtsove-inikBacK 



PLATE II- DIVISION FRONT <BackAr eas > 



1st. Brigade 



1st. Battalion 

1000 yards 



2nd.Baiialion 

lOOO yards 



2nd.Brigade 
1st. Battalion 2nd. Battalion 

lOOOjyards 1QOO yards 

ST 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




011 572 965 2 



